We currently have 320 primary students and orphans from the Kigezi sub-region. 148 of our pupils rely on KOP for shelter. Through businesses such as poultry and cattle rising, bee keeping, and other small businesses we hope to promote the financial sustainability of the project and develop the marketable skills of our children.
• Educational Empowerment > We work to ensure a quality education for the orphans through our primary school and on-site orphanage. We also provide scholarships, school supplies, and vocational training so children can be successful.
• Empowering marginalized communities and enhancing the quality of coffee production > Kigezi Orphans Project is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and enhancing the quality of coffee production through value addition. Our organization regularly consults with various stakeholders to achieve our goals. In August 2024, we sent one of our senior agronomists, Tumuhimbise Robert, to Eastern Uganda to benchmark coffee value addition practices and explore other livelihood enterprises to integrate into our future plans.
• Micro Credit Scheme > Kigezi Orphans Project (KOP) through the Amazima Community Farmers Initiative, supports 50 farmer groups in hard-to-reach areas of Kinaaba, Rutenga in Kanungu, and parts of Nyakishenyi in Rukungiri District. These groups receive trainings in VSLA methodology, financial literacy and access simple soft loans through a revolving fund program at an affordable interest rate of 2% reducing balance method. Group members act as guarantors for each other, eliminating the need for collateral. The initiative has demonstrated a 100% loan recovery rate. This has empowered communities and improved their household incomes. If KOP secures additional funding, it will significantly boost these groups’ economic opportunities and financial sustainability.
• Health and Well-Being > Provide healthcare services, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and access to medical facilities for the orphans in our community.
• Shelter and Infrastructure > Improve our students living conditions by constructing or renovating homes and ensuring safe and adequate shelter for orphaned children.
• Training Programs and Workshops > We work to equip orphans with essential life skills, vocational skills, and entrepreneurial abilities to enhance their future prospects.
• Through our Initiative (Amazima Community Farmers Initiative), Kigezi orphans Project has achieved the following:
The Kigezi Orphans Project is more than just a single entity; it’s a coalition of numerous organizations united by a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. We proudly partner and Support 50 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), each engaged in a wide range of agricultural enterprises across the Kigezi region.
Through this collaboration, our collective efforts focus on enhancing food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and fostering economic resilience. These initiatives span across various agricultural activities, including:
- Sustainable crop production
- Livestock management
- Indigenous tree planting for climate resilience
- Value-added production and market access
- Coffee farming and value chain development
- Sustainable Revolving fund program
By joining forces, we maximize our impact and drive lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve. Our work is rooted in the belief that empowering communities to thrive in agriculture not only improves livelihoods but also strengthens the future of generations to come.
For those interested in partnering or learning more about our work, we welcome your support and engagement as we continue to grow together.
Training on land management technologies: Farmers were trained on integration of agro forestry systems, application of organic manure, promotion of water retention structures and promotion of rain water harvesting technologies for enhanced Agrifood systems.
Training of groups in farmer Institutional Development; A total of 50 farmer groups were trained in group sustainability strategies, constitution making for enhanced group cohesion and formalization
Training Farmers on Crop husbandry practices: A total of 2000 farmers from Kinaba and Rutenga sub counties were technically equipped with best Agronomic practices of coffee planting and management, Potato, climbing beans, banana farming focusing on increasing farm production and productivity.
Financial Literacy: Farmers were trained on personal financial management, loan management, budgeting and planning, record keeping and investment. This will help to ensure they can make the most out of their farming activities and business ventures.
VSLA methodology: Farmers were trained in the Village Saving and Loan association methodology to instill the culture of saving and cohesiveness.
Entrepreneurship Skills: Participants were trained on starting, managing and maintaining small businesses, with a focus on improving their profitable business venture.
• Agricultural Trainings > Kigezi Orphans Project involves marginalised communities in different livelihood empowerment programs through training communities on principles of quality nursery bed preparation for quality seedling production focusing on enabling the target groups to diversify their income and increased production of passion fruits.
